Lionsgate And Samsung Offer ‘Insurgent’ Virtual Reality Production

The announcement takes Hollywood’s flirtation with virtual reality another step closer to a full-fledged relationship. Lionsgate says that Insurgent – Shatter Reality will work on the Samsung Gear VR. It will run four-minutes and offer audiences “a fully-immersive, 360° narrative experience” based on the upcoming Divergent Series: Insurgent, including actors Kate Winslet, Miles Teller and Mekhi Phifer. Lionsgate’s film will be in theaters on March 20.

The companies will take the VR experience on tour beginning February 27 to New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Austin and San Francisco. It also will be distributed on the Samsung Milk VR service until March 1. People can check it out at Best Buy stores on the March 7-8 weekend, and download it from additional platform and app stores.

“Virtual reality elevates the world of Divergent to a whole new level by creating a uniquely exciting and immersive experience for our fans,” Lionsgate Chief Marketing Officer Tim Palen says.

Viewers who have the Gear VR headset, and Galaxy Note 4 phone, will see members of the “Divergent” who were captured by Jeanine Matthews (Kate Winslet) and her Erudite faction. According to today’s release, they “are subjected to a series of mental ‘simulations’ in order to determine the full extent of their divergence.” They will be tested with “experimental serums” and experience “two distinct, intensely gripping and realistic fearscapes, transporting them from the frightening heights of a crumbling Chicago skyscraper to the intimidating challenge of a massive, fast-approaching locomotive.”

Composer Joe Trapanese scored The Divergent Series: Insurgent. The VR production comes from Kite & Lightning with assistance from the film’s effects team.